Definition
Biochar is produced from crop residues, such as rice husks, through a heating process designed to manage and utilise agricultural waste, converting it into a valuable soil amendment for farms. The production and use of biochar is common among processors managing large volumes of waste, applying it on their own land. However, smallholder farmers can also produce and use biochar as part of their farming practices.
Lead Actors
Farmer; Off-taker
Target Demographics
Farmers; Smallholder Farmers
Objectives addressed
Farmer related
Increase climate resilience:
By enhancing soil health, improving water retention, and increasing the ability of soils to handle extreme weather, biochar can help farmers better adapt to and manage the impacts of climate change, making their farming systems more resilient in the face of changing conditions
Reduce farmer cost of production:
Biochar can enhance nutrient retention in soil, reducing nutrient leaching and increasing the effectiveness of fertilisers. Over time, this can lead to reduced reliance on synthetic fertilisers, resulting in cost savings for farmers. As a long-term nutrient reservoir, biochar may minimises the need for additional inputs. Additionally, by improving water retention, biochar can reduce the frequency of irrigation, which is particularly beneficial in water-scarce areas or regions with high water costs.
Improve yields:
Biochar can improve soil fertility, enhance moisture retention, and increase nutrient availability, all of which may contribute to higher crop yields.
Business related
Although, in our experience, this innovation does not contribute directly any business-related objective, we do not discount the possibility that some companies may experience some (limited) benefits from it.
Contexts Best Suited to
Drought-prone areas or regions with limited water availability: it enhances the soil's water-holding capacity, reducing the need for frequent irrigation.
Regions facing soil acidity: helps to neutralise pH levels and making nutrients more accessible to plants.
Scattered farmers with limited access to fertilisers: biochar can improve soil quality and, to some extent, reduce dependency on external fertilisers.
Regions facing soil acidity: helps to neutralise pH levels and making nutrients more accessible to plants.
Scattered farmers with limited access to fertilisers: biochar can improve soil quality and, to some extent, reduce dependency on external fertilisers.
Key Risks
Fumes: The biochar production process can release harmful gases, such as carbon monoxide, if not properly managed.
Food Safety: Agricultural residues used in biochar production may also be contaminated with pesticides, heavy metals, or other pollutants, which could concentrate in the biochar and pose risks to the environment or human health when used as a soil amendment.
Soil nutrition: over-applying biochar can disrupt the soil's nutrient balance and potentially reduce crop yields.
Food Safety: Agricultural residues used in biochar production may also be contaminated with pesticides, heavy metals, or other pollutants, which could concentrate in the biochar and pose risks to the environment or human health when used as a soil amendment.
Soil nutrition: over-applying biochar can disrupt the soil's nutrient balance and potentially reduce crop yields.
Environmental Impact
Positive:
By converting organic material into biochar instead of allowing it to decompose, greenhouse gas emissions, including CO2 and methane, can be reduced. Biochar can also improve soil porosity, enhancing water and nutrient retention, leading to healthier soils. Additionally, biochar production utilises agricultural residues and waste that might otherwise be burned or left to decompose, both of which can contribute to air pollution and emissions.
Ambition level
Low
Time
On a small scale, using simple, low-tech kilns or pits, the process of producing biochar can be relatively quick. These methods are commonly employed by smallholder farmers. The process is often batch-based, allowing farmers to produce biochar as needed without continuous operation. For processors handling larger volumes, the time required may be longer and will depend on the techniques and equipment used.
Investment Need
On a small scale, using simple, low-tech kilns or pits, the process of producing biochar can be relatively quick. These methods are commonly employed by smallholder farmers. The process is often batch-based, allowing farmers to produce biochar as needed without continuous operation. For processors handling larger volumes, the time required may be longer and will depend on the techniques and equipment used.
